Bionic Animals Mimic Ants, Butterflies and Chameleons

March 27, 2015 11:30 PM

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A new menagerie of animal-inspired robotics has been unveiled by the researchers at Festo. One flies like a butterfly, another works in groups like ants and the third grips objects like a chameleon's tongue.

The eMotion butterflies are perhaps the most impressive: Those tiny bodies comprise a battery, motors to actuate the wings, and all the electronics necessary to keep the artificial bug upright and on track. They can even fly in flocks, guided by indoor GPS and careful monitoring of their own motion.